Toothbrush

ABSTRACT

A toothbrush, including a head portion, a handle portion, a locking mechanism configured to lock said head portion to said handle portion, a capsule including a motor assembly and power supply, the capsule being configured to be received within said handle portion, and at least one communication connection configured to enable said toothbrush to communicate with one or more external computing devices.

RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION

This application claims priority to provisional application Ser. No.61/895,593, filed on Oct. 25, 2013, incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present invention relates to toothbrushes; and more particularly tothe addition of novel features to a toothbrush, including customizationof the exterior for utility and aesthetic appeal, customizable motormodes, and convenient storage capacity.

Description of the Related Art

In the field of oral care toothbrushes, there exists a great variety ofindustrial design styles and aesthetics among both electric andnon-electric toothbrushes. A great many styles are too distinctlyshaped, or are colored in a garish manner, and do not conform topreferences for style for all users. As such, it would be advantageousto allow a user to give their toothbrush a custom design to fit theirindividual needs or preferences. Such custom designs may enable, forexample, a better grip during the actual brushing action, or they mayhave a visual design that is aesthetically pleasing to a particularuser.

Similarly to the problem of the above-mentioned design of conventionaltoothbrushes, the modes of operation of conventional electrictoothbrushes offer limited options for user customization. Aconventional electric toothbrush typically offers a single button toturn on and off the vibratory motor inside the toothbrush. It is commonfor electric toothbrushes, once activated with their main switch, toremain “on” (e.g., motor activated) for a predetermined amount of time.After the predetermined amount of time has passed, a timer inside thetoothbrush will switch the toothbrush motor off and return thetoothbrush to an “off” (e.g., motor not activated) state. This functionis to enable a toothbrush to inform the user that he or she has brushedtheir teeth for the appropriate amount of time and may now stop. Becausesome users may prefer a longer or shorter period of brushing their teeththan the typically recommended amount of time, it would be advantageousfor the user to be able to customize the default time period for thetimer inside the toothbrush.

In conventional toothbrushes, during the period in which the toothbrushis “On”, the vibratory motor may pause or pulse its action to indicate apre-specified period of time has passed. This period of time istypically 30 seconds, and it indicates to the toothbrush user that theyshould switch from the front of their teeth to the back or from thebottom row of teeth to the top row of their teeth. This interval periodof time is not user-defined and therefore might not align with a desiredbrushing duration for all users. It would be advantageous for the userto be able to set the reminder interval duration so as to effectivelybrush their teeth the appropriate amount of time that each individualuser deems necessary.

Conventional electric toothbrushes may offer one or two motor speedlevels in order to suit the user's preference for vibratory strength.These motor speeds are typically set as an intermediate step in-betweenthe standard on-off cycle. The user, by pressing the toothbrush's mainswitch once, may turn the motor on to its standard speed. By pressingthe main switch again, the user may engage the motor into either thehigh or low RPM speed for either high or low vibratory strength. A thirdpress of the main switch may turn off the motor entirely. This method ofoperation involves a less than optimal user interface since a user mayprefer only one single motor speed and may want that motor speed to bean predetermined Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) value that corresponds totheir exact preference for vibratory strength. It would be advantageousto allow a user to set a single default speed for the motor from aplurality of speeds when the toothbrush's main switch is pressed.

Conventional electric toothbrushes also typically have a single mainswitch for operating the motor. This switch may be pushed or indented bythe user's finger in order to activate the electric motor on and off.However, the experience of using a toothbrush may be advantageouslyimproved by enabling a toothbrush to turn its motor on automaticallyonce the user begins to brush his/her teeth, thereby requiring fewerdirect inputs from the user.

In order for a mechanical switch to function, there are moving partsthat actuate the electrical connections that power the motor (e.g.,vibratory motor in an electric toothbrush). These moving parts maycreate a weakness in the design of a product that must remain sealedfrom the intrusion of water. If water, oils, toothpaste scum, etc. wereto infiltrate the interior of a toothbrush motor, the motor would ceaseto function properly. A more secure system for actuating a toothbrush'svibratory motor than pressing a switch (as in conventional electrictoothbrushes) may be to allow for a non-mechanical or motion-basedswitch to actuate the motor and turn the toothbrush to the “on” state.Such a touch-less solution would advantageously reduce the number ofparts needed for construction, and allow for improved sealing againstwater and other environmental contaminants.

A typical storage place for a toothbrush is the bathroom sink, and thesurfaces in that environment may not always allow for easy storage ofthe toothbrush when it is not being used. Whether through a scarcity ofspace on the sink counter, or to reduce the appearance of clutter, itwould be advantageous for a user to store the toothbrush on a verticalsurface. Mounting the toothbrush on a vertical surface would allow forthe brush to drip dry away from contaminating germs and bacteria, reducespace used on the counter, and allow for a more neat and organizedbathroom storage arrangement for users.

It is advantageous for a toothbrush to be vertically standing on a sinkcounter for many of the same reasons that it is advantageous for thetoothbrush to be mounted on a vertical surface (e.g., a verticallystanding toothbrush uses less space on a sink counter than a toothbrushlying prone, the positioning of the toothbrush may prevent contaminationfrom germs on the counter surface, it provides for a more organizedbathroom storage arrangement, etc.).

SUMMARY

A toothbrush, including a head portion, a handle portion, a lockingmechanism configured to lock said head portion to said handle portion,said handle portion being removable and replaceable with a differenthandle portion of a different design; and a capsule including a motorassembly and power supply, the capsule being configured to be receivedwithin said handle portion.

A toothbrush, including a head portion, a handle portion, a lockingmechanism configured to lock said head portion to said handle portion, acapsule including a motor assembly and power supply, the capsule beingconfigured to be received within said handle portion, and at least onecommunication connection configured to enable said toothbrush tocommunicate with one or more external computing devices.

These and other features and advantages will become apparent from thefollowing detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof,which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The disclosure will provide details in the following description ofpreferred embodiments with reference to the following figures wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a perspective and an exploded view of atoothbrush in accordance with the present principles;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a perspective and an exploded view of atoothbrush in accordance with the present principles;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a rear perspective view of a toothbrushin accordance with the present principles;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a rear perspective view of a toothbrushincluding a travel cap in accordance with the present principles;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an exploded view of a toothbrush inaccordance with the present principles;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a cross sectional view of an electricmotor capsule included within a toothbrush in accordance with thepresent principles;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a method of operation of a toothbrushin accordance with the present principles;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a schematic view of the connectivitysystems of a toothbrush to other systems in accordance with the presentprinciples;

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a cross-section of a locking mechanismof a toothbrush in accordance with the present principles;

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a cross-section of a locking mechanismof a toothbrush in accordance with the present principles; and

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of a toothbrushincluding a travel cap with a substantially flat bottom surface inaccordance with the present principles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with the present principles, systems and methods areprovided for brushing teeth using a toothbrush with various novelfeatures according to the present principles. One novel feature is adesign which enables for easy customization of the toothbrush exterior(e.g., for utility or aesthetic appeal through a replaceable handle orskin). Another novel feature is user customizable motor modes which mayallow the default operation to be changed according to userspecifications for various features (e.g., Revolutions Per Minute (RPM),vibration duration, reminder vibrations, gesture control, etc.). Toallow the user more convenient storage and access of the toothbrush, amicro-suction tape may be included on the toothbrush or its cap toenable the toothbrush to be mounted on any smooth surface.

A non-mechanical touch sensor may be included to enable the user tooperate the motor and modes of operation of the toothbrush with greaterreliability, fewer moving parts, and a greater resistance to waterpermeating the electric motor cavity. Furthermore, the variousembodiments of the present toothbrush system may also enable the novelfeatures of customizability, mountability, and touchless control. Thefeatures relating to the customizability of the toothbrush systemaccording to the present principles may address the preference of a userfor a product which uniquely suits his/her specific and particularcriteria for aesthetic, ergonomic, and functional qualities.

It is noted that the present description illustrates a toothbrushaccording to the present principles. It will thus be appreciated thatthose skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangementsthat, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody thepresent principles and are included within its spirit and scope.

All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended forpedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the presentprinciples and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furtheringthe art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to suchspecifically recited examples and conditions.

Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, andembodiments of the present principles, as well as specific examplesthereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functionalequivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalentsinclude both currently known equivalents as well as equivalentsdeveloped in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform thesame function, regardless of structure).

Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” ofthe present principles, as well as other variations thereof, means thata particular feature, structure, characteristic, and so forth describedin connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodimentof the present principles. Thus, the appearances of the phrase “in oneembodiment” or “in an embodiment”, as well any other variations,appearing in various places throughout the specification are notnecessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective and an exploded view of atoothbrush 1 is illustratively depicted in accordance with the presentprinciples. In one embodiment, a novel feature of the toothbrush 1 isthe modular design which may enable easy and low cost replacement ofparts and/or to maximize user customization options. By reducing thecost and difficulty of both manufacture and installation, and byenabling users to customize their individual toothbrush with customparts (e.g., bought or made themselves), users may choose parts that areergonomically comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing to each individualuser, and enable low cost maintenance, replacement of parts, andmanufacturing.

In one embodiment, an assembled toothbrush 1 is illustratively depictedaccording to the present principles. An exploded version of theassembled toothbrush 1 is also depicted, and includes a head 5, a handle25, a motor assembly 10, and a battery 30. The motor assembly 10 andbattery 30 may be affixed together through the motor assembly's batteryarmature 15. The combined motor assembly 10 and battery 30 may then beplaced inside the handle 25 and/or head 5, and the two remaining parts(e.g., handle 25, head 5) may securely connect to each other through alocking mechanism 20.

If the user wishes to purchase and/or install a separate custom versionof the handle 25 with a unique shape, color, or design, then they maypurchase and replace only that part (e.g., handle 25) on theirtoothbrush, which reduces the cost of customizing the toothbrush 1 bychanging the design of the toothbrush 1 easily without the use of tools.

The separation of the toothbrush 1 into four smaller, modular parts thatare easily disassembled significantly reduces the cost of replacing thehandle 25 or the head 5, and increases the ease of replacing parts ofthe toothbrush in order to customize the design. This embodiment'sdesign also reduces manufacturing costs by minimizing the number ofparts and assembly needed by the factory during production. The handle25 is also designed to be of simple geometry so that users inexperiencedwith three dimensional (3D) design software may be able to easily modifythe external shape and appearance to suit their particular desire forfunction or aesthetics.

In one embodiment, the motor assembly 10 and battery 30 may not beincluded, and may be optional parts of the toothbrush 1. As the head 5and handle 25 are able to connect to each other securely using thelocking mechanism 20, they are able to act by themselves (e.g., withouta motor or battery) as a fully capable, non-electric toothbrush. Theinclusion of the motor assembly 10 and battery 30 is optional in thisembodiment, and may be added at a later time, or not at all, dependingon the preferences of a particular user.

It is noted that a user may upgrade his/her toothbrush by purchasing andinstalling, without the use of tools, the motor assembly 10 and battery30 separately to improve the functionality of their toothbrush 1 toinclude the electric vibratory motor feature. Additionally, it is notedthat if the motor assembly 10 is damaged or becomes dysfunctional, it ispossible to replace only that part, without requiring the use of tools,which reduces costs (e.g., the cost of maintenance for the user, thecost of warranty for the manufacturer, etc.), and enables simple repairand replacement by a user.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a perspective and an exploded view of atoothbrush 35 is illustratively depicted according to one embodiment ofthe present principles. In this embodiment, the modular construction mayinclude a head 40, a handle 50, a motor assembly 45, a battery 55, askin 60, and a screw 65. The skin 60 may fit over the handle 50, and maybe secured into place by a screw 65. The head 40 may snap onto thehandle 50 and the outer surface of the head 75 may be flush with theouter surface of the skin 70. By having the separate, replaceable partskin 60 only consist of the outermost layer of the toothbrush 35 whichmay be held by the user, the part size and volume of the part is greatlyreduced, thereby reducing production costs from that of conventionaltoothbrushes. It is noted that by reducing the part size and volume, thematerial cost of producing custom versions of the part through, forexample, injection molding, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining,Three Dimensional (3D) printing, or any other production method, isgreatly reduced.

The skin 60 may include simple geometry to ensure that all users (e.g.,from novice to experienced) of 3D design software are able to easilymodify the external shape and appearance to suit their particularpreferences for function and/or aesthetics. It is noted that thisembodiment may exclude the motor assembly 45 and battery 55 to reducemanufacturing cost and/or offer a relatively inexpensive, simple,non-electric version of the toothbrush 35 to users.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a rear perspective view of a toothbrush isillustratively depicted in accordance with one embodiment of the presentprinciples. This embodiment may include the entire toothbrush 85 with ahandle 90, a head 95, and micro suction tape 100. The parts of thetoothbrush 85 may be modular elements of an assembled design that can bedisassembled or they may be elements of a fused, single body toothbrushthat cannot be disassembled or a toothbrush that may be disassembledwith or without tools.

The micro-suction tape 100 may be a soft, flexible tape that, whenpressed against a smooth flat surface, creates a plurality of small,air-tight vacuums along its entire surface that are sealed with the softtape material. These sealed, vacuumed indentations are resilient toremoval because the soft tape material creates an air-tight seal aroundthe vacuums. The micro-suction tape is particularly effective on verysmooth and flat surfaces that enable a more secure air-tight seal aroundthe vacuums. In the bathroom, the smoothest and flattest surfaces arecommonly the bathroom mirror and tile walls. These surfaces (e.g.,mirror, tile walls, etc.) enable the toothbrush 85 to be convenientlymounted to a variety of materials and places in a typical bathroom.

By including this mounting function, the micro suction tape 100 mayenable a reduction in clutter on the sink and counter areas, whichenables the user to easily organize his/her bathroom peripherals andtherefore increases the effective amount of storage space in thebathroom. Additionally, by mounting the toothbrush on a verticalsurface, the brush's bristles are separated from surfaces like the sinkand counter that could contaminate the brush's bristles with germs andbacteria and make the brush less hygienic for use.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a rear perspective view of a toothbrushincluding a travel cap is illustratively depicted in accordance with thepresent principles. In one embodiment, a toothbrush 105 includes a head110, a handle 115, and a travel cap 120. The travel cap 120 may includemicro-suction tape 125, which may enable mounting to various surfaces.The micro-suction tape 125 enables mounting of the toothbrush 105 to anyflat, smooth surface, and the toothbrush 105 may be removed from thetravel cap 120 without detaching the travel cap 120 from a surface(e.g., a mirror, tile wall, etc.) to access the toothbrush 105.

In one embodiment, the toothbrush 105 may be stored after use by simplydropping the toothbrush 105 into the mounted travel cap 120 withoutrequiring removal of the travel cap 120 from the surface to which it ismounted. It is noted that the travel cap 120 may also be removed fromthe surface to which it is mounted, and re-mounted to another surface.It is noted that the travel cap 120 is also useful as a cap to use withthe toothbrush 105 while traveling to protect the toothbrush 105 fromgerms, bacteria, environmental contaminants in luggage, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a diagram illustrating an exploded view of atoothbrush is illustratively depicted in accordance with the presentprinciples. In one embodiment, a capsule 170 which may be placed insidea toothbrush, and contains a motor assembly is illustratively shownaccording to the present principles. A button (e.g., logo button) 169may be included on the head portion (e.g., replaceable head portion),and may be positioned anywhere on the head portion (e.g., front,top-front, bottom-front, rear, etc.) according to various embodiments ofthe present principles.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a diagram illustrating a cross sectional viewof an electric motor capsule 170 included within a toothbrush isillustratively depicted in accordance with the present principles. Inone embodiment, an electric motor 155 is kept separated from anycontaminants (e.g., toothpaste) and conducting substances (e.g., water)that may, for example, short out the electric motor's 155 wiring andtherefore render it dysfunctional. In one embodiment, the electric motor155 is kept separated from contaminants and conducting substances byenabling activation of the electric motor 155 using a non-mechanicalswitch controlled by a microcontroller 140. The microcontroller 140 maychange modes or turn the electric motor 155 on or off based on how themicrocontroller 140 has been programmed to react to one or moreconnected sensors.

In one embodiment, one of the connected sensors may be a capacitivesensor 135 that may detect the proximity of, for example, a finger of auser through its capacitance. Once the microcontroller 140 detects apreset level of capacitance using the capacitive sensor 135, themicrocontroller 140 may activate, deactivate, or change the mode of theelectric motor 155. As the capacitive sensor 135 does not need to be indirect contact with the finger of a user, all of the electronics may besafely sealed behind impermeable layers of plastic 165. By sealing theelectronic sensors and motors behind an impermeable layer of plastic 165(e.g., a single plastic wall) rather than a multi-part assembly (e.g.,as employed for mechanical switches), the present principles enableexcellent reliability during use in a wet environment (e.g., bathroom,shower, etc.) as moisture and other contaminants are not able to enterthe electric motor capsule 170.

In one embodiment, the electric motor capsule 170 may include anaccelerometer 150 in a printed circuit board (PCB) assembly 145. Theaccelerometer 150 may detect motion of a toothbrush, and may send themotion information to the microcontroller 140 as, for example, aconstant stream of information. The microcontroller 140 may beprogrammed to activate the electric motor 155, or to change modes oncethe accelerometer 150 detects sufficient motion (e.g., a motion similarto that of brushing teeth), thereby enabling the toothbrush to be motionactivated (e.g., without requiring the use of a mechanical switch), andsimplifying actions of a user for activating the toothbrush for use.

It is noted that a motion-activated toothbrush according to the presentprinciples enables a user to simply begins brushing their teeth, and theelectric motor 150 in the toothbrush may automatically turn on toincrease the effectiveness of the brushing action. Using either a touchbased sensor or accelerometer to activate the toothbrush enables all ofthe electronics to be housed in a single interior unit. By combining theelectric motor 155 and all electric parts in a removable capsule 170,the electric motor 155 and switches may be an optional, removableelement of the toothbrush assembly. Since the electric motor capsule170, including the electric motor 155 are removable, the electric motorcapsule 170 may be produced, assembled, and purchased separately fromthe rest of the toothbrush. This is advantageous because some users mayprefer a non-electric toothbrush, prefer a more inexpensive toothbrush,and/or prefer a toothbrush that may be electric (e.g., with the motorcapsule 170 installed) or non-electric (e.g., with the motor capsule 170removed), depending on the current preference of the user.

Referring now to FIG. 7, with continued reference to FIG. 6, a diagramillustrating a method of operation of a toothbrush is illustrativelydepicted in accordance with the present principles. In one embodiment, auser may use their finger to press on the outside of a plastic capsulesurface 171 to activate a capacitive sensor inside an electric motorcapsule 170 inside a toothbrush 130 according to the present principles.It is noted that the design of the toothbrush 130 according to oneembodiment simplifies the exterior of the toothbrush 130 by reducingparts and part lines through which water or other contaminants couldcontaminate the interior electrical assembly of the toothbrush 130, andrender it dysfunctional. Furthermore, by reducing and simplifying theexterior parts of the toothbrush 130, the toothbrush 130 may be easilymodified, disassembled, reassembled, and/or customized using, forexample, casting, CNC, 3D printing, or other production means.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a diagram illustrating a schematic view of theconnectivity systems of a toothbrush to other systems is illustrativelydepicted in accordance with the present principles. In one embodiment, atoothbrush 175 including a plurality of physical and wirelessconnections to computing devices is shown. The toothbrush 175 isdepicted in a disassembled state to reveal a motor assembly 180 in asection view, and a Micro-Universal Serial Bus (USB) slot 185 may beincluded in the motor assembly 180. A computer 195 or phone 200 may beconnected to the toothbrush 175 using one or more cables (e.g., USBcable), and the modes of operation may be manipulated using a graphicaluser interface (GUI) 191 on a computer 195, cell phone 200, 205, orother computing device.

In one embodiment, the GUI 191 may include a plurality of modulesconfigured to adjust, for example, the speed of the motor, the timing ofinterval reminder pulses, the length of time of operation before anautomatic cutoff, etc., and may be accessed using a computing product(e.g., computer, cell phone, tablet, etc.) which includes anon-transitory computer readable storage medium for storing userpreferences and input data. After adjusting options using the GUI 191 ofa computer 195 or phone 200, 205, the altered mode of operation of thetoothbrush 175 may be saved to the internal memory of a microcontroller181 inside the motor assembly 180.

In one embodiment, after the toothbrush 175 is disconnected from asecondary computing device 195, 200, 205, the new default behavior ofthe toothbrush 175 will be to exhibit the newly set motor RPM speed,reminder intervals, automatically timed cut off, and other interactionbehaviors, as designated using the GUI 191. It is noted that anadvantage of redefining the toothbrush's mode of operation is to morewholly adjust the toothbrush to a particular user's preferences and tocreate a better brushing experience. Some users may prefer a high RPMfor extra strong vibration because, for example, they find their teethparticularly difficult to clean. Other users may prefer a less intensevibration because, for example, they have sensitive gums which couldfeel discomfort or be injured by a strong vibration.

Adjusting the motor's RPM speed may enable the preferred amount ofvibratory strength to be customized and the preference may be appliedduring brushing according to the present principles. The same kinds ofparticular preferences for more or less time depending on the user couldbe expressed in the variable interval reminder timing or the variableautomatic cut-off time. Furthermore, the means of activating thetoothbrush can also be switched, using the GUI 191, between atouch-based sensor and a motion-based accelerometer sensor depending onthe user's preferred mode of operation.

In another embodiment, the motor assembly 180 may be connected to awireless device 205 (e.g., cell phone, tablet, laptop, etc.) using awireless data module 210 on the motor assembly 180. An advantage of awireless connection is that the toothbrush 175 is not required to bedisassembled to access the microcontroller and to reprogram the modes ofoperation of the toothbrush 175. It is noted that a wireless connectionaccording to the present principles may be any sort of wirelessconnection (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Ratio, etc.) that enables devices tocommunicate with other devices.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a diagram illustrating a cross-section of alocking mechanism of a toothbrush is illustratively depicted inaccordance with the present principles. In one embodiment, a handle 235may protrude out from the outer skin 250, and may include a slot 240 andan aperture 225. The toothbrush head 245 may include an open receivingend 230 that may correspond in shape with the top portion of a handle235 such that the two may be joined together in a mating fashion.

In one embodiment, a post 220 and a notch 215, sized according to therespective aperture 225, and a slot 240 may be included and positionedon an interior wall of a receiving opening 230. When the receivingopening 230 is placed over the top of the handle 235, the post 220 maybe initially guided into slot 240, and when it reaches the bottom of theslot it may “click” over and engage an aperture 225. While a post 220slides into a slot 240, a notch 215 will engage the top of the slot andthereby prevent incorrect coupling of the head 245 with the handle 235.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a diagram illustrating a cross-section of alocking mechanism of a toothbrush is illustratively depicted inaccordance with the present principles. In one embodiment, thetoothbrush head 255 may include interlocking surfaces 260 and one ormore indentations 265. The toothbrush handle 270 may includeinterlocking surfaces 275 and one or more ribs 280. When the toothbrushhead 255 is connected to the handle 270, the two sets of interlockingsurfaces may become fully mated, and rotation of the toothbrush head 255relative to the toothbrush handle 270 is restricted along every axis.Additionally, when the toothbrush head is inserted onto the handle, itsrib 280 may snap into the toothbrush head's indentation. The mating ofthese two features may resist translational movement along the primaryaxis of the toothbrush handle 270 so that the toothbrush head 255 doesnot become detached while being used to brush a user's teeth. When asufficient force is exerted against the mated rib 280 and indentations265, the toothbrush head 255 may be removed and replaced with adifferent toothbrush head, or the same toothbrush head 255 may bereattached.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a diagram illustrating a perspective view of atoothbrush 280 including a travel cap 285 with a substantially flatbottom surface 290 is illustratively depicted in accordance with thepresent principles. In one embodiment, by providing a flat bottomsurface 290, the travel cap 285 is able to stand upright on a sink orcounter surface without other means of attachment while acting as astorage receptacle for the toothbrush 280. This configuration isadvantageous at least because of an improved storage efficiency, andhygienic isolation of the bristles from contaminated surfaces when thetoothbrush 280 is standing upright while being stored in a bathroomenvironment.

It is noted that although the above configuration is illustrativelydepicted according to the present principles, other sorts ofconfigurations may also be employed according to the present principles.

The foregoing is to be understood as being in every respect illustrativeand exemplary, but not restrictive, and the scope of the inventiondisclosed herein is not to be determined from the Detailed Description,but rather from the claims as interpreted according to the full breadthpermitted by the patent laws. It is to be further understood that,because some of the constituent system components and methods depictedin the accompanying drawings are preferably implemented in software, theactual connections between the system components or the process functionblocks may differ depending upon the manner in which the presentprinciples are programmed. Given the teachings herein, one of ordinaryskill in the pertinent art will be able to contemplate these and similarimplementations or configurations of the present principles.

Although the illustrative embodiments have been described herein withreference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that thepresent principles is not limited to those precise embodiments, and thatvarious changes and modifications may be effected therein by one ofordinary skill in the pertinent art without departing from the scope orspirit of the present principles. All such changes and modifications areintended to be included within the scope of the present principles asset forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A toothbrush, comprising: a replaceable headportion including a sensor activation portion disposed proximate to abottom of the head portion, the sensor activation portion including anexternal surface and an internal surface; a removable and replaceablehandle portion; a sealed, impermeable capsule including a motorassembly, the capsule being configured to be received within the handleportion, the motor assembly including at least one sensor in a pluralityof sensors detachably coupled to the internal surface of the sensoractivation portion, the at least one sensor is activated by transmittingenergy from the external surface through the internal surface to the atleast one sensor, wherein operation of the toothbrush is controlledusing the at least one sensor and at least another sensor in theplurality of sensors; and a locking mechanism for securely attaching thehead portion to the handle portion for brushing, the locking mechanismincluding a receiving opening disposed within a housing of thereplaceable head portion, wherein at least one recess is disposed on aninterior wall of the receiving opening; and a protruding portiondisposed at a top of the handle portion, wherein the protruding portionincluding at least one post; the receiving portion receives theprotruding portion to detachably snap-fit the replaceable head portionto the handle portion by using the at least one post to engage the atleast one recess.
 2. The toothbrush as recited in claim 1, furthercomprising a skin configured to fit around said handle portion, saidskin being removable from said handle portion.
 3. The toothbrush asrecited in claim 2, wherein said skin is configured to be re-attachableto said handle portion after being removed.
 4. The toothbrush as recitedin claim 1, wherein the capsule includes said power supply having abattery compartment and a battery.
 5. The toothbrush as recited in claim1, further comprising micro suction tape disposed on said handleportion.
 6. The toothbrush as recited in claim 1, wherein said capsulefurther comprises: a microcontroller in communication with said motorassembly and a power supply; one or more accelerometers in signalcommunication with the microcontroller, said one or more accelerometersbeing configured to detect movement of the toothbrush and communicatingsaid movement to the microcontroller to selectively activate said motorassembly in response to a preset movement of said toothbrush.
 7. Thetoothbrush as recited in claim 1, wherein said locking mechanismincludes a post, a notch, and a slot positioned on an interior wall of areceiving opening, the receiving opening being configured to be placedover a top portion of said handle portion, wherein said post isconfigured to be guided into said slot to engage an aperture and tocouple said head portion and said handle portion together.
 8. Thetoothbrush as recited in claim 7, wherein said notch is configured toprevent an incorrect coupling of said head portion and said handleportion.
 9. The toothbrush as recited in claim 1, wherein said handleportion includes interlocking surfaces and one or more ribs, and saidhead portion includes interlocking surfaces and one or moreindentations, said handle portion and said head portion being configuredto be coupled by connecting said interlocking surfaces, said one or moreribs, and said one or more indentations.
 10. The toothbrush as recitedin claim 1, further comprising at least one communication connectionconfigured to enable said toothbrush to communicate with one or moreexternal computing devices, wherein said at least one communicationconnection includes a wired connection.
 11. The toothbrush as recited inclaim 1, further comprising at least one communication connectionconfigured to enable said toothbrush to communicate with one or moreexternal computing devices, wherein said at least one communicationconnection includes a wireless connection.
 12. The toothbrush as recitedin claim 1, further comprising an interface configured to communicatewith a computing system including a graphical user interface, saidgraphical user interface being configured to enable a user toselectively program a plurality of features of said toothbrush.
 13. Thetoothbrush as recited in claim 12, wherein said plurality of featuresincludes at least one of a vibratory power and a mode of operation ofsaid toothbrush.
 14. The toothbrush as recited in claim 1, furthercomprising a travel cap configured to securely cover said head portion.15. The toothbrush as recited in claim 14, wherein said travel capfurther comprises: a flat bottom configured to enable the toothbrush tostand upright; and micro suction tape disposed on said travel cap. 16.The toothbrush as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor isa capacitive touch sensor.
 17. The toothbrush as recited in claim 1,wherein actuation of the at least one sensors causes a change inoperation of the motor assembly that includes at least one of thefollowing: turning on the motor assembly, turning off the motorassembly, changing a mode of operation of the motor assembly, and anycombination thereof.
 18. The toothbrush as recited in claim 1, whereinthe head portion includes a top part and a bottom part, the top partincluding a plurality of bristles and the bottom part including theactivation portion.
 19. The toothbrush as recited in claim 14, whereinthe travel cap includes at least one of the following: a standconfigured to enable the toothbrush to stand upright, a micro suctiontape disposed on the travel cap and configured to securely attach thetoothbrush to a surface, a location for placement of a logo, and anycombinations thereof.
 20. The toothbrush as recited in claim 14, whereinthe travel cap includes at least one of the following: a standconfigured to enable the toothbrush to stand upright, a micro suctiontape disposed on the travel cap and configured to securely attach thetoothbrush to a surface, a location for placement of a logo, and anycombinations thereof.